Activities

En route for Mont Blanc 5 days – Duo package

Mont Blanc is unquestionably the most famous peak in the Alps. Its first ascent, in 1786, marked a turning point in the development of the Chamonix valley, which after this time was geared towards catering to the flourishing tourist market. Since its creation in 1821, the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix (Chamonix Guides Company) has been intimately linked to Mont Blanc. Over the years the Compagnie has developed a unique expertise for guiding mountaineers to its summit.

Despite its huge reputation, the ascent of Mont Blanc is a genuine challenge requiring a high level of physical fitness and technical skills in crossing rocky and icy terrain. We strongly advise you not to overestimate your abilities, and we highly recommend that you take an introduction to mountaineering course (Aiguille du Tour, Gran Paradiso, etc) before embarking on this adventure.

The originality of this package lies in the small group size. You progress over five days in groups of two (one guide for two clients). Personalised advice from your guide and the flexibility of this package guarantee a high-quality trip and optimise your chances of success.

This first climb allows you to find your feet and to get to know your guide. Examples of climbs: Traverse of the Aiguilles Crochues (2840m), and the Petite Aiguille Verte (3512m).

Day 2 and day 3. Routes at altitude to acclimatise.

You are plunged into the heart of the mountains! These two days give your body the essential time it requires to adapt to physical effort at altitude. The night in the Cosmiques hut is also a chance to get to know your guide. Examples of routes include the Pointes Lachenal, Aiguilles d’Entrèves, Traverse of the Vallée Blanche, and the Petite Aiguille Verte.

At the end of this acclimatisation period your guide will organise a debriefing. Based on your experience he or she may steer you towards a route other than Mont Blanc, if he or she judges that you are not sufficiently ready at that stage.

Day 4 and day 5. Ascent of Mont Blanc. Normal (Goûter) route with night in the Goûter hut.

You start from the Nid d’Aigle (2372m), which is reached via the Bellevue cable car and Tramway du Mont Blanc. A path leads to the Tête Rousse hut (3167m) from where the ascent becomes more technical. The ascent of the Aiguille du Goûter is partially equipped with cables and leads to the hut (3835m), rebuilt in 2013. A total of five hours physical effort.

We start out in the middle of the night at around 02:30. The route passes via the shoulder of the Dôme du Goûter (4275m), the ‘abri’ Vallot (4362m) and the Arête des Bosses. We reach the summit in the early morning with the first rays of sunlight. From an altitude of 4808.7m (as measured in 2017) you are afforded exceptional panoramic views. It is now time to start the long descent (2400m), which follows the same route. A total of 10 to 12 hours of physical effort.

Mont Blanc: a high-mountain ascent

As with all climbs in the high-mountain environment, the ascent of Mont Blanc is dependent on weather conditions. The high-mountain environment is directly impacted by global warming. The rise in temperatures leads to a reduction in snow cover, which causes more frequent rock fall. The normal route on Mont Blanc, and the climb to the Goûter hut in particular, is no exception.

The mountains impose their own rules and, owing to bad weather or an unsatisfactory level of danger, the climb may not be possible. If this is the case, we will suggest an alterative objective depending on the conditions, such as the Gran Paradiso or Monte Rosa.

The programme described above is a guide only and may change depending on the group’s abilities, opening times for the cable cars, weather conditions and conditions in the mountains. Refunds will not be made for changes to this programme.

Dates for 2018: From June to end of September.

Prices 2018:

- 1650€ per person from 04/06 to 08/07.

- 1770€ per person from 09/07 to 19/08.

- 1650€ per person from 20/08 to 30/09.

To avoid problems caused by participants not knowing each other, sign up is restricted to pre-existing teams of two only. For solo reservations please see our ‘En route for Mont Blanc Premium package’.

Included in the package:

- Mountain guiding service

- Two nights half-board in mountain hut (dinner, breakfast and night)

- Transfers as per programme

Not included:

- Personal drinks in huts and other personal expenses (bring Euros)

- Packed lunches

- Cost of getting to meeting point (Chamonix),

- Personal technical equipment.

Additional information

Ability level:

An appropriate choice of peak is essential for you to properly enjoy your holiday. To get the most out of your trip we recommend you take regular exercise throughout the year and, where necessary, undertake specific training a few months before you leave. Try to avoid last minute training that can lead to injury. Do not to overestimate your abilities, and do be aware that the weight of your pack and higher altitudes reduce your usual strength and stamina.

This programme is aimed at experienced walkers who regularly take part in activities requiring stamina. Ten to 12 hours physical effort per day means you should be able to finish a half-marathon. Previous mountaineering experience is strongly recommended.

Accommodation: Two nights half-board in a hut (evening meal, breakfast and overnight accommodation).

Organisation: Our advisor, Laurence, is available for any questions you might have.

Group: 2 people per guide for 5 days. The level of supervision, specific to the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix, optimises your chances of success.

Equipment: File can be downloaded from the website, under the ‘details’ tab.

Documentation: Participants must have mountain sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance offering both of these types of cover when you sign up. Participants must also take valid ID with them.

Meet: Meet on the first day at 08:30 at the Compagnie des Guides office at 190 place de l’Eglise in Chamonix.